Blog: Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day

Friday

Nov 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that the 25thannual observance World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1, 2012.World AIDS Day aims to increase awareness of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDSepidemic globally and in the US.

RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that the 25thannual observance World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1, 2012.World AIDS Day aims to increase awareness of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDSepidemic globally and in the US.

World AIDS day is about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice andimproving education. The World AIDS Day Theme for 2012 is "Getting toZero." The theme is about reducing new HIV infections, discrimination andAIDS related deaths to zero through increased advances and equal access toHIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. One hundred ninety-onecountries around the world are observing this day to draw attention to theAIDS epidemic.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people livingwith HIV, including 2.1 million children. Over 25 million people have diedfrom AIDS. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected withthe virus.

RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Health Department Director of Public Informationadds, "To give people a more national perspective, according to the mostrecent CDC data, approximately 50,000 Americans become newly infected withHIV each year and more than 14,000 people with AIDS die each year in the US.Yet, studies show that some of the populations with the highest rates ofinfection either do not recognize their risk or believe that HIV is nolonger a serious health threat. And research indicates that individuals whoare complacent about the threat of HIV are more likely to practice riskybehaviors."

For more information on the Department's confidential AIDS/HIV testingand counseling, educational materials, and AIDS prevention services call theHealth Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark)or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook atHenry and Stark County Health Departments.